Any tips on how to feel confident when giving a speech?

Answer 1

Give your speech on a topic that you are very familiar with. If you speak about something you are unsure of, then you will speak unsurely and it will show. If you speak on something you know well, then you will be confident and self-assured.

Answer 2

Make sure that you are thoroughly prepared before giving your speech. Practice it a few times the night before. That way you know what you want to say. This will help you from becoming flustered if you mess something up during the speech.

If it is a speech for class, I think it always helps to look at the teacher while speaking. They will usually give you reassuring nods to show that you are on the right track. It also helps because you are making eye contact and not just reading off your note pages. If possible, try to go first or second. You don't want to sit through the class and let your nerves build up. Just get it over with as soon as possible

Make sure to dress up a little bit - but still remain comfortable in the clothing. When you look good, you will feel better about yourself and therefore more confident.

Take a few drinks of water before your speech to remain hydrated.

And as a side note - try not to say um a lot. It's really annoying and will make you seem even more nervous.

Answer 3

That's tough - I remember the first time I had to speak in front of a large group, in a church and I was terrified.

There are a lot of tricks people suggest.

The cliched 'picture everyone naked' which I've never actually tried.

One teacher in elementary school suggested, which I have used, although it sounds weird... if you stand up you can flex your knee caps up and down... as long as the outfit you wear doesn't show it (most don't) it provides a means to fidget during your speech.

I've found that looking at the audience (gives the impression that you're looking directly at people) with unfocused eyes can help...

Before hand - study your speech thoroughly, until you feel like you know it by heart (even if you do feel that way bring some form of notes).

Make whatever kind of prompting notes that you need, and make sure you're comfortable with the format you've used. Some people prefer to bring the entire speech, some just bullet points, some do go in cold (no notes at all - I've done it - not smart).

And practice... repeat... practice.

If you can practice in front of a mirror, and then try in front of friends or family.

Hope some of this helps. I think you'll do great.

-dh

Answer 4

Ah yes...speeches. It's not that hard to overcome stage fright. Back in highschool I was in many Improvisation contests and Pros as well. Here are my tips:
1. The main thing is to know your piece. If you were required to memorize something then memorize it for heaven's sake! If you just know the gist of it what is that going to do for you? If you know what you are supposed to be talking about then you won't feel nervous.
2. Put yourself in the audiences shoes. There is nothing to be nervous about, they just see a person. They want to hear what you have to say, and they want to hear emotion in your words, and they want to know about the topic most importantly. Just go on stage and perform, give the speech.
3. Don't stay in one place, and don't lock your knees! If you lock your knees you will pass out and there is nothing fun about that. Just move your hands around a little, but don't go wild, use excitment in your voice.

Those are the main tips I have. If you have any more questions email me. You don't have to if you don't want to though. I am just here to help.

Answer 5

say to yourself what the worst thing could happen!

put in mind that even if the worst thing happened , u will stay alive after the speech hehe, i just mean u shouldnt give a **** about who is looking at you.. who is talkin about u.. u r the controller now.. everyone is silent just to hear u.
. just say your speech from your heart and say whatever you want and whenever :D

A TIP: u shouldnt over practice before your speech, so u can look on your nature behaviour,and try to keep the contact eye with the audience without looking at a specific person

Answer 6

firstly, develop confidence in yourself,you should feel that you own that stage and you do know what you are talking about, don't look at anybody, just focus on one thing which is your speech. also consider your gesture, voice projection and of course dressing. hope this will help.

Answer 7

b prepared and organized, i usually get nervouse when im not prepared. um,, also u can PRACTICE a lot so u can get the hang of it. memorizing major facts of ur speech will help, and be sure u've got everything u need. most people are doubtful of thier presentation because they didn't get all the stuff done.

Answer 8

Know your subject matter. Also, watch Maid In Manhattan. The movie will give you a clue.

Answer 9

be in a good mood before the speech.. be happy and take a deep breath and say to yourself that you can do it.. do yoga too!

Answer 10

think of roughly it this style. in case you do no longer do your appropriate then people are not going to take you heavily so merely provide it your appropriate shot. Who cares what different individuals think of. while they hear to you it is not a huge deal so why are you making any such vast deal. calm down :)